Home-based PCR test for echinococcosis species by collecting patient samples
Official title: Pilot Observational Study Involving the Collection of Biological Samples and Clinical Data From Patients With Echinococcosis: Implementation and Evaluation of a Home-made PCR Method
Run by Azienda Ospedaliera SS. Antonio e Biagio e Cesare Arrigo di Alessandria · NCT07715435 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Aimed at patients suspected of echinococcosis who need cyst surgery, the study tests an in-house PCR method to detect parasite DNA and identify the four Echinococcus species.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 6 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 120 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Azienda Ospedaliera SS. Antonio e Biagio e Cesare Arrigo di Alessandria Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Alessandria, Piemonte, Italy) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | August 19, 2024 |
| Main results expected | August 19, 2034 |
| Study ends | August 19, 2044 |
| Registry record updated | July 20, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07715435 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are patients with suspected echinococcosis who are scheduled for surgical cyst removal and are 6 years of age or older.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with a confirmed non-echinococcosis diagnosis or those not undergoing surgery may not benefit from the PCR approach.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This observational study collects biological samples from patients with suspected echinococcosis to develop an in-house polymerase chain reaction (PCR) diagnostic protocol. The goal is to improve speed, sensitivity, and species specificity compared with standard microscopy and serology. The PCR results will be compared to conventional tests, and whole-genome sequencing will be used for species characterization. The work focuses on pulmonary echinococcosis and involves patients aged 6 years and older undergoing cyst surgery. No intervention beyond sample collection is required.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide faster and more accurate molecular diagnosis and species-level information for echinococcosis.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work suggests molecular methods can improve diagnostic accuracy for echinococcosis, but in-house PCR development for species differentiation is relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Suspected diagnosis of echinococcosis * Patients requiring surgery to remove cysts * Patients aged 6 years or over * Signature of informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Patients who are candidates for surgery for other reasons
Where it's running
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SC Chirurgia Toracica
Alessandria, Piemonte, Italy, Italy Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Clinical Trial Center
- Email: clinicaltrialcenter@ospedale.al.it
- Phone: +39 0131206893
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Examining liver cysts in patients with echinococcosis
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.